Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices

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deelip
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Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices

Post by deelip »

I use a Garmin nuvi 2567lm GPS device and take it with me wherever I travel. It's a car GPS. But I also use it when riding a motorcycle. I place it in a handlebar mounted waterproof pouch. Garmin offers regular map updates which I install every now and then.

While preparing for my trip to Sri Lanka I couldn't find a Garmin provided map for the country. I searched online and found other companies selling Garmin compatible maps for Sri Lanka. I also came across a website called garmin.openstreetmap.nl which claimed to offer free maps for Garmin GPS devices. These maps are based off data provided by OpenStreetMap, a "community of mappers that contribute and maintain data about roads, trails, cafés, railway stations, and much more, all over the world."

I had heard of the OpenStreetMap project before, but didn't pay much attention to it because Garmin was providing the maps I needed. But left with little option, I decided to try out this web site and see if the maps were any good.

To get a map you need to choose the country on the web site and download it. I left the map type to the default (generic routable), picked Sri Lanka as the country and the map on the web page below highlighted sections that covered Sri Lanka.

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I then clicked the download link and was asked to select the type of file.

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I picked the windows executable as I use the Windows version of Basecamp software to manage my GPS. I ran the executable and installed the map on my computer. The anti-virus software on my computer complained, but I crossed my fingers and ignored the warning.

Next I plugged in my GPS to my computer, started Basecamp and proceeded to install the map on the memory card of the GPS (Maps > Install Maps on Memory Card). I went through the wizard and the file "OSM generic routable(LKA_20-01-2016).img" was copied onto the SD card in the Map folder.

I set this map as the current map in Basecamp and zoomed into Colombo city. All the major roads seemed to be there.

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I zoomed in a little more and found that the map had a significant amount of detail in it. Pleased with myself, I proceeded to add way points for my ride around Sri Lanka and created a route.

After reaching Sri Lanka and renting a motorcycle, I strapped the GPS to the handlebar and was surprised to find the map blank. Surprisingly, the GPS was guiding me along roads asking me to turn left and right at intersections. It was as if the map was somewhere in the GPS but I couldn't see the roads. After some fiddling around I figured that multiple maps were active on the device and the OpenStreetMap was hiding under Garmin's map which didn't have any data for Sri Lanka.

I deactivated all maps except the Sri Lanka OpenStreetMap map and the roads showed up on the GPS. I spent two days following the route I had planned and the OpenStreetMap map worked like a charm. The map was completely routable just like Garmin's maps and I could safely take detours and have the GPS route me back on track without any problem.

garmin.openstreetmap.nl gets two thumbs up from me.
Dutchgit
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Re: Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices

Post by Dutchgit »

Yep, good stuff. I use OSM as well.
The maps on that are updated very frequently (Users can update the map themselves). Garmin updates their maps only once in a while.
It'll end in tears I tells ya.
Tramp
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Re: Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices

Post by Tramp »

Old knowledge .....but a nice link and helpfull how to....liked the srilanka report....maybe kerela next....
Peirre
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Re: Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices

Post by Peirre »

Mul001
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Re: Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices

Post by Mul001 »

I've an old Bike Zumo400 which just about keeps going after 8 yrs. As it's on the way out (I say that every year :laugh: ) I don't "buy" updates, especially not lifetime updates, as they're tied to a model, and when (!) it breaks I'll lose the "lifetime ...".

I'll be trying this tonight, thanks (thumbs)


Why it struggles: the battery has been changed once (fair enough for 8yrs). The screen is now "glazed" and hard to read in bright sunshine. Often despite wiping it and resetting it and clearing unwanted maps out, updating firmware etc., it can still "lock / hang " and get stuck 80% route planning, especially when adding postcodes. I've plenty of free memory btw both internal AND on the SD card, it's just one of it's little "quirks" these days.

The mount / electrics have been rock solid since day one, never had to fiddle, re-connect and it's been thro some rough wet days. So I'll buy another, one day, in preference over a Tomtom.

Chrz Mul.
boatman
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Re: Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices

Post by boatman »

Hi Mul
I have had navy since they first came out ( bout the size of a brick they were)
I have found the garmin 660 ,s to be very good and reliable , when the time finally comes (thumbs)
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WIBO
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Re: Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices

Post by WIBO »

Will It Buff Out?
PHILinFRANCE
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Re: Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices

Post by PHILinFRANCE »

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